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With chilly winter temperatures right around the corner, it is essential for you to take action and protect your pipes ahead of time before the risk of them freezing. Frozen pipes are not only a huge inconvenience when you aren’t able to have running water in your home, but they also risk rupturing, which can lead to serious leaks and flooding in or underneath your home. We all know that water expands when it freezes, so when water freezes in pipes, it can expand then rupture from the build-up of pressure. In general, pipes typically freeze when temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but depending on their exposure to wind and the elements, pipes can still freeze at warmer temps. But have no fear, the Delaware plumbing professionals at Joseph Frederick and Sons are here to share a few tips with you to make sure your pipes are protected from freezing this winter.
Never turn your heat off, especially if you are going out of town or know you will be away for a few days. You do not have to keep your home as warm as you would if you were actually there, but at least set your thermostat to 50 degrees or higher. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside from freezing.
If you are afraid a pipe will freeze, you can leave the faucet fed by that pipe running just a bit so the faucet drips slightly. If a pipe freezes, it is actually the pressure that is created between the blockage and the faucet that will cause the pipe to burst. Allowing the faucet to continually run will prevent this pressure from building up and thus keep the pipe from bursting.
Pipes are often located in cabinets throughout your home. When the temperature drops, it is a good idea to keep these cabinet doors open so that the heat from the rest of the house can keep the pipes warm. It is also a good idea to keep all interior doors open so that the heat can evenly flow throughout the rooms in your home.
Seal any obvious gaps on both the interior and exterior side of the wall or floor around holes where pipes run, especially where the hole is letting in any cold air. Use caulk or spray foam insulation to fill the gaps to prevent those pipes from freezing.
Pipes that are located in areas that do not have proper insulation, such as basements or attics, may need extra insulation to keep from freezing. You can fit the pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. Applying heating tape is also another way to insulate your pipes, especially if you know of short sections of pipe that are at high risk for freezing and are easily accessible so you can install the tape and can monitor it for problems.
If you find yourself dealing with frozen pipes or a pipe that has actually busted inside or underneath your home, reach out to the Delaware plumbing experts at Joseph Frederick And Sons right away to get the issue resolved. Our licensed plumbers are highly experienced, extensively trained, and will not only fix your problem but help you avoid similar difficulties in the future. No one is more qualified to deliver the help you need, so give us a call for all of your Delaware plumbing needs – we cannot wait to serve you!